Kuwait Budget 2019-20: 4th year of deficits after 16 years of surplus-Needed a national investment policy to spur capital markets

Executive Summary

• Kuwait has announced a state budget for the year ending on March 31, 2020, that projects spending at KD 22.5 billion (USD 74 billion) and revenues at KD 16.4 billion (USD 54 billion). Spending is projected to increase by 12.5% while revenues by 9%. In comparison, Saudi Arabia in its budget revealed that it will raise its spending by 7% and revenue by 24% for 2019-20.
• While the budget focusses on increased infrastructure spending, a robust capital market with a clear national investment policy can encourage local investors and funds according to a recent Markaz report.